Since John Green's "Looking for Alaska" won the Printz award last month, I read it recently. I found it absolutely breathtaking -- wonderfully written, totally absorbing, and completely worthy of the award. I also read the Newbery winner, "Criss Cross". While it was well written, it just didn't hold my interest, and I can't see myself recommending it to any but the most introspective, thoughtful young patron. I felt the same way about last year's Newbery winner, "Kira Kira". Gorgeously written, but (at least until the sister gets sick) not very absorbing. Meanwhile, the last two Printz winners were wonderful, in my opinion, and also had high teen appeal. Maybe it's just that I like teen fiction so much -- though there have been many, many Newbery winners I adored -- but I think the Printz committees are picking winners more often lately. Anyone else noticed this, or is it just me?